Just my opinion , the main cost of today tank is vehtronics not
the vehicle itself.
For LT to cost abt USD7mil per unit, I believe you are talking a
lot of latest technology, for example thermal imaging,
autotracking, BMS,perhaps even hybrid electrical/diesel
engine.
As for modern MBT, nowaday easily cost USD10mil or more , so it is
not cheap anymore.
The thing is , do we need such a high tech stuff in our new LT just
for fire support and secondary anti tank role???
No , we don't. I think a cost of USD3mil to 5mil should be
sufficient. In fact we should take our time getting those new LT
in, say 50 units per year, and we could upgrade them with high tech
stuff later when it is necessary or the price is right, becos at
the moment, the current threats are not that high anyway.
But we do need to have new LT, becos the need is there, firstly
those SM1 is already very old, it is not as reliable, in fact , I
believe they should replace them in 80s instead of upgraded them in
the first place, secondly it is no more offered sufficient
protection against new threat like 25mm cannon which will be very
common in the near future.
As for NGF, it is something that we must have, to maintian the
quality edge over our closer rival, a small initial number is fine
becos we still hold the edge of having Awacs and the best WVR &
BVR weapon, our rival at the moment cannot afford to have large qty
of high tech a/c anyway.
As for new subs, the Viking program itself could be scrapped, and
even it is not , we talking abt something after 2012 at least, so
it is still too early to talk abt Viking subs.
As for the offer of 2 subs from Sweden, they are talking abt the
Vastergotland class , Swedish is downsizing their subs fleet,
therefore 2 of the 4 Vastergotland class subs are going for "early
retirement" and have been offered to us.
The other 2 boats , Swedish Navy have upgraded them with AIP etc
and renamed as the Sodermanland class .
If we take up the offer, we will most likely go for the same
upgrades , which mean we will have the first AIP boats in
SEA.
( MY's two Scorpene are non AIP, Indon may get another 2 U209s,
total 4 U209s, Thailand at the moment are looking at purchasing 2
old Israeli Gal boats)
So getting the two Sodermanland class is certainly not downgrading
, in fact it will be the most stealthy boats in SEA!!!
